Blowing the alarm on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."